Buying or selling a home involves a lot of things, it also raises questions. In this column ‘Ask Bob’, real estate expert/broker Bob Bartikoski of RE/MAX Paradise Homes Bonaire answers a real estate question from a reader. This time:
Question: Someone told me that I need a letter from the government in order to sell my property on Bonaire, is that true?
That’s a good question. It is true that you need a letter from the government to sell your house, but ONLY if you are selling a property (home, apartment or building) that is located on LEASED land (erfpacht). If your home is on owned ground (eigendom) it is not necessary. This rule exists because it is not allowed to sell vacant leased land. You are allowed to sell your property on leased land if there is a building on it that is wind and water tight.
What you need to do is to send a letter to the Directie Ruimte en Ontwikkeling (DRO) asking for permission to sell your property. If you're listing your property with us, we take care of this process for you. Once the DRO receives your letter they visit the property to make sure there is a wind and watertight building on the property. If there is a building there, they will send you back a letter granting permission to sell your property. You will need to provide this letter to the Notaris so that he can transfer the deed if you are selling your property.
Do you want to buy or sell a house in Bonaire, or do have a real estate question for Bob? email him at: [email protected]. Call for free from the US: 1-866-611-7362 or Bonaire: +599-717-7362. See all our listings here.